Dear Counsellor:

Two weeks ago I visited a nightclub and got a lap dance from one of the girls. I was also drinking heavily. I ended up having sex with this girl. I did not use a condom and now I am very worried that I may be infected with AIDS. I heard the girl is a drug addict and this has caused me to worry even more because I heard that people who do drugs are at higher risk for contracting AIDS. Is there a connection between drugs and AIDS?

Worried Young Man

Dear Worried Young Man:

Yes, there is a connection between AIDS and drugs. Studies show there is a high percentage of HIV among people who do drugs. This is because:

Your sense of reasoning diminishes under the influence of drugs.

You might engage in sexual activities you might not have done if you were not under the influence of drugs. Sex is one means by which HIV is transmitted.

Drug addicts sometimes sell their bodies/exchange sex in return for money to satisfy their carvings.

Using contaminated needles used by addicts to inject drugs into their bodies also transmit HIV.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or 1888-991-4444, or write to AIDS Affair, c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.